Uefa launches disciplinary action against Lazio after allegations of racist chanting at Tottenham

By Tom Dunn

The European football governing body has decided to open up an investigation after accusations were made in the aftermath of Thursday's Europa Leage tie at White Hart Lane

Uefa has launched disciplinary action against Lazio after allegations of racist chanting at Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

European football's governing body has charged the Serie A side with “improper conduct” after referee Ovidiu Alin Hategan and match delegate Adonis Procopiou voiced concerns after the 0-0 draw.

Captain Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Andros Townsend are all claimed to have been the target of said chanting, with the Control and Disciplinary Body meeting on October 18.

The statement from Uefa read: "Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against SS Lazio for the improper conduct of the club's supporters [racist behaviour] during the Uefa Europa League group stage match on September 20 between Tottenham Hotspur FC and the Italian side."

Spurs head coach Andre Villas-Boas insisted during the post-match press conference that he had heard no racist chanting but would leave it up to Uefa to act if there were.

He told reporters: "Uefa is very active on this kind of situation and our overall objective is to kick racism out of football.

"I can't point the finger at anyone in any way shape or form tonight because I didn't hear anything."

The disciplinary action from Uefa comes just a day after Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was the subject of apparent racist chants from a section of Juventus fans during his team’s 2-2 draw on Wednesday night.